International Roma Day
This event has already passed
On Saturday 6 April 2024, from 2 pm to 7 pm, at the Place de la Bourse.
The celebration of the International Roma Day reflects the shared commitment of the City of Brussels and the demands of the Roma people to strive for just and non-discriminatory emancipation. Schedule: gypsy music concerts and information and awareness-raising stands. On the initiative of the Brussels Council for Cultural Diversity and with the cooperation of Arthis - The Belgian Romanian Cultural House asbl.
On 8 April, the Roma community around the world commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the 'International Romani Union' in London in 1971. On that day, the Roma community was given its own anthem and flag: the green colour symbolises the earth and nature, the blue colour symbolises the sky, and the red wheel in the middle symbolises the travelled path of the Roma and refers to their Indian origins.
Roma have no country of their own and do not ask for one. They are originally from northern India, and immigrated to the West from the 11th century onwards. Today, Roma are present in most countries in Europe and beyond.
April 8 is essential for the Roma community to celebrate the recognition of their culture and commemorate their history. This day is also an opportunity to recall that in today's Europe, many Roma still suffer striking discrimination in their daily lives.
It is estimated that there are 10 to 12 million Roma living on the European continent, more than 6 million of whom have spread across the 28 member states of the European Union. However, that non-negligible part of the population, with its own cultural identity, represents only 1.2% of the EU population. It is difficult for the Roma community to claim access to education, employment, housing and healthcare in these circumstances.
The celebration of this day reflects the City of Brussels' solidarity commitment to the demands of Roma people to strive for a just and non-discriminatory emancipation. The event is also part of a wider sensitisation against all forms of discrimination. With it, the City of Brussels also emphasises how proud it is of the diversity of cultures in this city, which together make a positive contribution to a better society.
Concerts with:
- O'Tchalai and the Droga Mleczna choir
- Gipsy Wolves and the Amare cerchenora dance group
- Taraf Budisteanu & Romanita des Balkans
- Fanfare Seven Kadrievi
- Geza & The 5 Devils
O'Tchalaï and the Droga Mleczna choir
To the sounds of violin, accordion, double bass, percussion and voices intertwined, O'Tchalaï, surrounded by the Droga Mleczna choir, will take you on a colourful journey through the Balkans and the 'Tsiganie'.
Public transport
Public parkings
